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Mississippi • Chronic Illness
If you live in Mississippi and have fibromyalgia that limits your ability to work, you may qualify for federal disability benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and special savings accounts. Mississippi does not offer a state disability program, so most support comes from federal sources. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with fibromyalgia, you must have a medical condition that severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. SSI is income-based and does not require work credits. Both programs require that you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (2025), or $2,700 if blind, in countable earnings[4]. You may also qualify for Medicare 24 months after SSDI begins, or immediately for certain conditions. Work incentives like the Ticket to Work program help you try returning to work without immediately losing benefits[2].
Mississippi does not offer a state disability program; all disability support comes from federal sources like SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid[1]. Residents with fibromyalgia must meet federal eligibility rules. For Medicaid, Mississippi’s Working Disabled program sets individual income limits up to $6,587/month and asset limits at $24,000 (2025), with exclusions for your home, one car, and certain other resources[5]. While some states offer temporary disability benefits, Mississippi does not—so there is no short-term state help for fibromyalgia. If your child has a disability, they may qualify as an adult at age 18 if they meet the same federal rules[1].
Start your application for disability benefits at the national Social Security website or your local SSA office. Gather medical records, work history, and personal ID before you apply. If you need health coverage, apply for Medicaid through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. For help with the process, contact your local SSA office or a disability advocate.
1. Gather documents: Collect medical records, doctor’s statements, work history, tax returns, and personal identification. 2. Apply online or in person: Visit ssa.gov to apply for SSDI or SSI. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. 3. Complete medical reviews: Mississippi’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your medical evidence to decide if you meet disability criteria[1]. 4. Wait for a decision: This can take several months. Check your application status online or by phone. 5. Appeal if denied: You have the right to appeal if your claim is denied—act quickly, as deadlines apply. 6. Apply for Medicaid: If eligible, apply for Mississippi Medicaid online or by phone. The Working Disabled program may help if you work but still need benefits[5]. 7. Explore Medicare: If approved for SSDI, you’ll be eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period, unless you have certain conditions[4]. 8. Consider work incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work let you test returning to work without losing benefits right away[2].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Paid to those who worked enough and paid Social Security taxes, but can’t work due to disability. Benefit amounts depend on earnings history[1][4]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. Medicare: Health insurance for those on SSDI (after 24 months) or with certain conditions. ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualifying disabilities, helping you save without losing benefits.
Mississippi does not provide a state disability program—rely on federal SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid for support[1]. Mississippi Medicaid includes the Working Disabled program, which allows higher income (up to $6,587/month for individuals) and asset limits ($24,000 for individuals) than regular Medicaid, letting you work and keep coverage[5]. There is no short-term state disability benefit. If you need help, start with the federal programs and Mississippi Medicaid[1][5]. For more services, check local nonprofits and advocacy groups.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. You can use these accounts for disability-related expenses. Mississippi residents can open an ABLE account if they became disabled before age 26. For details, see our [ABLE Accounts] guide.
SSDI and SSI: In 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) and keep disability benefits[4]. Mississippi Medicaid (Working Disabled): Up to $6,587/month for individuals (coupled limit: $8,879/month)[5]. Resource limits: Medicaid for the working disabled allows up to $24,000 in countable assets for individuals; some assets (home, car, personal property) are excluded[5].
Always report income or life changes to the SSA and Mississippi Medicaid to avoid overpayments, which can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. If you owe money, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. For guidance, visit [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Mississippi does not have a state disability program. All disability support for fibromyalgia comes from federal programs like SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid[1]. If you need short-term help, explore local nonprofits or apply for federal programs for best results.
Mississippi’s Medicaid program for the working disabled allows much higher income ($6,587/month for individuals) and asset ($24,000) limits than regular Medicaid, making it possible to work and keep your health coverage[5]. Not all states offer this option—Mississippi does.
Fibromyalgia claims often require strong medical documentation. Keep detailed records of doctor visits, treatments, and how your symptoms affect your daily life. This evidence is key for approval.
No, Mississippi does not offer a state disability program. Support comes from federal SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid programs[1].
In 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind). Income above these limits may affect your eligibility[4].
Most people get Medicare 24 months after their SSDI benefits start, unless you have ALS or end-stage renal disease, which qualify you immediately[4].
You can appeal the decision. The process can take time, so it’s best to gather strong medical evidence and consider getting help from an advocate or lawyer.
Yes, the Working Disabled program allows higher income and asset limits, so you can work and keep Medicaid coverage[5].
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4].
Report changes to the SSA and Mississippi Medicaid right away to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. See [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Disclaimer: This guide offers general information only, not legal advice. Rules and benefit amounts change. Always check with official agencies for the latest guidance.
Yes, programs like Ticket to Work and trial work periods let you test employment without immediately losing benefits[2].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office. Gather medical records and proof of work history first.
Contact your local SSA office, Mississippi Medicaid, or a nonprofit disability advocate for free or low-cost assistance.
